NAYIB BUKELE
AT CPAC: HE GIVES GREAT ADVICE TO THE USA
Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez (born 24 July 1981) is a Salvadoran politician and businessman who currently serves as the 43rd president of El Salvador, having assumed office on 1 June 20191. His political journey has been marked by several notable achievements:
Mayoral Tenure: Bukele served as the Mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán from 2012 to 2015 and then as the Mayor of San Salvador, the nation’s capital, from 2015 to 2018. During his mayoral terms, he focused on delivering visible changes to public infrastructure, emphasizing that quality services like education, health, and parks should be accessible to all citizens, not just the affluent.
Formation of Nuevas Ideas: In 2017, Bukele was expelled from the left-wing Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) party, under which he had won both mayoral elections. Undeterred, he established his own political party called Nuevas Ideas (New Ideas) in 2018.
Presidential Victory: In the 2019 Salvadoran presidential election, Bukele ran with the center-right Grand Alliance for National Unity (GANA) party after the dissolution of the center-left Democratic Change party by the Supreme Electoral Court.
He secured a resounding victory, winning 53% of the vote and becoming the first president since José Napoleón Duarte not affiliated with either the FMLN or the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA).
Crime Reduction and Gang Control: During his first year in office, Bukele implemented measures that led to a 50% decrease in murders. His strategy involved deploying thousands of police and soldiers to gang strongholds and enhancing prison security.
However, his government faced accusations of secretly negotiating with the notorious Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang to reduce the murder rate.
Mega Prison and Anti-Gang Measures: In response to a surge in violence, Bukele’s administration arrested over 75,000 people with alleged gang affiliations in a nationwide crackdown after more than 80 people were killed by criminals in a single weekend in March 2022.
His aggressive stance against gangs was credited with effectively crippling their operations, resulting in a nearly 60% decrease in homicides in 2022.
In summary, Nayib Bukele has made significant strides in Salvadoran politics, from his mayoral achievements to his presidency, albeit amid controversies surrounding crime control strategies and gang negotiations.
Parents: Nayib Bukele was born on 24 July 1981 in San Salvador, El Salvador.. His father, Armando Bukele Kattán, was a prominent businessman and politician. Armando Bukele served as the mayor of San Salvador during the Salvadoran Civil War.
Nayib’s mother, Olga Ortez de Bukele, was a teacher and social worker. She played an essential role in Nayib’s upbringing and education.
Wife: Nayib Bukele is married to Gabriela Rodríguez de Bukele. Gabriela has been a supportive partner throughout Nayib’s political career. She prefers to maintain a relatively private life, but her unwavering support for Nayib is evident.
Children: Nayib and Gabriela have two children: Layla Bukele Rodríguez and Nayib Bukele Rodríguez. Layla, their daughter, was born in 2017, and Nayib Jr., their son, was born in 2020. Nayib often shares glimpses of his family life on social media, emphasizing the importance of family values.
Nayib Bukele’s journey in politics and governance is closely intertwined with his family’s influence and support. Despite the challenges he faces, his commitment to public service remains steadfast.
